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The Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Foundation, Inc. recently bid farewell to six departing members of its governing Board of Trustees.

An independent institutionally-related charity, the Foundation was established in 1977 to raise, steward, and administer private funding for the benefit of SWOSU. The Foundation Board of Trustees oversees the organization and serves as its fiduciary.

Those Trustees departing the Board include:

  1. George Cohlmia (SWOSU Class of 1974) of Oklahoma City, who served the Foundation for 9 years and held the roles of Board Chair and Investment Committee Chair;
  1. Brice Harris (SWOSU Class of 1970 & 2008 Distinguished Alumnus) of Fair Oaks (CA), who served the Foundation for 9 years and held the role of Scholarships & Grants Committee Chair;
  1. Dianne Hunter (SWOSU Classes of 1986 & 1990 & 2022 Distinguished Alumnae) of Guthrie, who served the Foundation for 18 years and held the roles of Board Chair and Development Committee Chair;
  1. Debbie Shepherd (SWOSU Class of 1979) of Weatherford, who served the Foundation for 8.5 years and held the roles of Board Secretary and Property Committee Chair;
  1. Nelson Sims (SWOSU Class of 1971 & 1992 Distinguished Alumnus) of Key Largo (FL), who served the Foundation for 15.5 years and held the roles of Investment Committee Chair and Scholarships & Grants Committee Chair; and,
  1. Judy Wilkes (SWOSU Class of 1976) of Oklahoma City, who served the Foundation for just under 5 years and held the role of Audit Committee Chair.

In recognition of their service to the Foundation and to the university, SWOSU President Dr. Diana R. “Diane” Lovell inducted Cohlmia, Harris, Hunter, Shepherd, Sims, and Wilkes into the SWOSU Presidential Order of Merit.

“Departing Foundation Trustees Cohlmia, Harris, Hunter, Shepherd, Sims, and Wilkes have dedicated over 66 combined years of service to their alma mater and we are so deeply grateful,” said Lovell. “We thank these generous alumni for all they have done and continue to do for SWOSU and we celebrate their achievements in advancing the mission of the Foundation.”

The SWOSU Presidential Order of Merit is an honor bestowed upon an individual who has shown outstanding achievement, on the state, national or international level, in the arts, sciences, business, industry, the professions, sports, social service or public service. The prestigious award represents recognition of significant distinction that a member of the SWOSU family has attained. SWOSU President the late Dr. John Hays introduced the award in 2004. The SWOSU Presidential Order of Merit is the highest honor in the personal gift of SWOSU’s chief executive.

“This group of individuals provided stellar leadership for the SWOSU Foundation,” said Foundation Board Chair Bryan Evans (SWOSU Class of 1998) of Edmond. “They made decisions that have had a positive impact on our university and their legacy of selflessness and dedication will endure for decades to come. I can’t thank them enough.”

For more information, please visit www.SWOSUFoundation.com or call 580-774-3267.